"This is an excellent step forward for the Four Corners," said Katherine Daniel, the town's community development director. "It's really encouraging to see such a high-quality application like this so soon."

Unicom Contracting Group, of Garrison, N.Y., will redevelop a 3-acre section on the west side of Federal and Station roads around the Mobil gas station.

The project referred to as Brookfield Village will include four buildings with 21,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and 76 one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults above the stores. Construction is expected to take two years.

The redesign will require the removal of several existing buildings that house Mother Earth Gallery, a Subway sandwich shop, Plaza Cleaners, Rocco's Restaurant and Rickyl's Luncheonette. There are also five existing apartments.

Unicom official Paul Guillaro did not return a message Friday.

"I'm delighted. ... This is a prototype of where we are headed, and it's not just remodeling a few buildings. It's a major investment in Brookfield," said First Selectman Bill Davidson. "We will have a modern-day village center."

Approval of the Umicom project follows approval of a 13-unit condominium complex and 72-unit affordable apartment complex on Laurel Hill Road at the southern tip of the district.

The Four Corners was the focus of a comprehensive plan last year to transform a neglected business and residential zone into a vibrant mix of retail and residential space with cultural and recreational opportunities.

"Inclusion of public spaces is critical (to the Four Corners plan), and they did that very well," Daniel said about Unicom's project. There will be a uniform streetscape design with sidewalks, benches and ornamental street lamps.

The recent activity has stimulated interest in future development options, town and land-use officials said.

Local attorney Peter Scalzo, who represents the developer, stated previously this is a "flagship project" that will set the standard for the district. It is already attracting new businesses, such as the Peachwave yogurt shop housed in a former vacant hardware store on the other side of Federal Road.

Town public library advocates who for years have touted the need for expansion or a new building are now eyeing the Four Corners as a potential location.

The only recent Four Corners project to be denied was a 94-unit apartment complex that zoning officials said did not fit the district's envisioned character. An appeal by the developer is pending.